United Arab Emirates
Launch and Scale Your Enterprise in the UAE
Welcome to the UAE—where opportunity meets ambition on a global stage. From Dubai’s dynamic freezones to Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge innovation districts, Encor delivers unparalleled, full-spectrum company formation and post-incorporation support across mainland, freezone, and offshore jurisdictions.
Why the UAE?
Operations Optimization
Hub between East and West, with world-class infrastructure and logistics.
Business-Friendly Environment
0% corporate and personal income tax*, 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, full repatriation of capital and profits.
Growing Economy
Diversified markets spanning finance, tech, manufacturing, media, and renewables.
Innovation Ecosystem
Government-backed accelerators, R&D incentives, and world-leading freezones.
Jurisdictions We Cover
We go beyond routine checks to offer a proactive, risk-based approach to compliance. Our team supports you with:
MAINLAND UAE
Who: Companies trading directly in the local market, securing government contracts, or employing UAE nationals.
Authority: Department of Economy & Tourism (Abu Dhabi); Department of Economic Development in each emirate (Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah).
Why Choose: Unlimited business scope, eligibility for government tenders, no currency restrictions.
Freezones
Who: Export-oriented entities, holding companies, consultancies, e-commerce and tech ventures.
Popular Zones: DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, RAK ICC, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Dubai Internet City.
Authority: Zone-specific regulators (e.g., DMCC Authority, ADGM Registration Authority).
Why Choose: 100% foreign ownership, multi-year tax holidays, streamlined visa and immigration.
Offshore
Who: Holding companies, asset-protection vehicles, IP and royalty management entities.
Jurisdictions: JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC Offshore, Ajman Offshore.
Authority: Federal Tax Authority for compliance; emirate-based offshore registries.
Why Choose: Confidential structuring, zero taxation, ideal for global group holding.
Jurisdictional Requirements
We go beyond routine checks to offer a proactive, risk-based approach to compliance. Our team supports you with:
Dubai Mainland (DET & DED)
- Name Reservation & Initial Approval: Trade name + business activity submission
- Local Sponsorship: Service Agent or UAE-national partner agreement
- MOA & LSA Contracts: LLC Memorandum of Association or Sole Establishment contract
- License Issuance: 5–7 business days (activity-specific approvals may add 2–4 weeks)
Dubai Freezones
- DMCC (JLT): Digital setup via DMCC Go; 3–5 days for license, 2 weeks for visas
- DIFC: Common-law framework, DFSA for financial services; 2–4 weeks including due diligence
- Dubai South & Others: Specialized incentives (logistics, aviation); accelerated visa quotas
Offshore Jurisdictions
- JAFZA Offshore: 2–3 days registration; nominee services and AML declarations
- RAK ICC: 3–4 days incorporation; economic substance reporting required
Banking & Payment Solutions
Recommended Banks
Flexible HR support designed to suit startups, SMEs, and multinational teams. From policy frameworks to payroll setup, we’ve got it covered.
Why Encor?
We go beyond routine checks to offer a proactive, risk-based approach to compliance. Our team supports you with:
Deep local expertise with a global perspective
Presence across 10+ markets and 4 strategic hubs
Proven track record: 100K+ businesses scaled worldwide
Full-spectrum solutions— market entry to sustained growth
Proactive compliance and risk management at every stage
Multilingual experts across legal, tax, HR, and governance
Encor Services
- Company Formation: Entity selection, documentation, license procurement
- Regulatory & Legal: Corporate structuring, local sponsor arrangements, contract drafting
- Tax & Compliance: VAT & corporate tax registration, filings, audit support
- HR & Payroll: Recruitment, visa processing, payroll administration, HR policy
- Banking & Finance: Corporate bank account setup, payment gateway integration
- Ongoing Governance: Annual renewals, PRO services, bookkeeping, accounting, audit liaison
Ready to Launch in the UAE?
Let’s chart your course to success. Speak with a UAE Business Setup Specialist
